BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators

European Safer Gambling Week: Reflections and a Call to Action As European Safer Gambling Week (European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA)) concludes, we at BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators reflect on a productive week culminating in our conference on "Stay Sharp, Play Safe: Protecting Players in a Digital Era" on Wednesday the 20th. We focused on leveraging technology and innovation to safeguard players, with a particular emphasis on protecting young people. Since September 1st, Belgium has implemented a ban on gambling for individuals under 21, a measure fully supported by BAGO. However, alarming statistics reveal that 49% of 18-21 year-olds engaged in illegal online gambling before the ban (in August), highlighting the urgent need for continued vigilance and efforts to protect youth. Our conference reinforced the critical importance of collaboration between the government, healthcare sector, and legal gambling providers to ensure a safe and regulated gambling environment. We're eager to seize the opportunity presented by the new federal legislature to shape a gambling policy that prioritizes player protection, tackles illegal providers effectively and channels players towards legal platforms. To further these efforts, we've launched an awareness campaign specifically targeting young adults, warning them about the dangers of illegal gambling and reminding them of the age restriction. ➡️ Watch our videos here: https://lnkd.in/e3h73MZu (French) & https://lnkd.in/eJNWbqSs (Dutch) Our operators will be sharing these videos across their channels to amplify this crucial message. Together, we can foster a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all. #ESGW24 #BAGO 

Happening Now: BAGO Conference 2024! The BAGO Conference on responsible gaming and player safety is underway at Sparks in Brussels! We're joining forces with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) during European Safer Gambling Week to tackle a critical issue: keeping young people safe online. Why it matters: Our latest research reveals a disturbing trend: 49% of men under 21 gamble on illegal websites, compared to 22% of all online players. This is alarming, especially with the recent increase in the minimum gambling age to 21. BAGO Takes Action: To combat this, we've created an awareness video specifically for the 18-21 age group. This video will be shared by our operators to educate young adults about the dangers of illegal gambling sites. Watch the video in Dutch below, and here for French: https://lnkd.in/e3h73MZu Join the conversation at #BAGOCONFERENCE2024 and let's work together to create a safer digital environment for everyone! #StaySharpPlaySafe #SaferGamblingWeek #ESGW24

Half of young men (18-21) played on illegal gambling websites New research from BAGO reveals that almost half of people aged 18 to 21 were already active on illegal gambling websites before the legal gambling age was raised to 21. This highlights the urgent need to tackle illegal gambling websites! Key findings: - 49% of young people from this age group gambled on illegal sites, compared to only 22% of all online players. - 29% name an illegal brand first when asked about online gambling, compared to only 4% of all online players. - 85% recognize an illegal gambling site, compared to only 72% of all online players. Social media are the main channel through which young people come into contact with illegal providers. "This is particularly worrying. Young people under 21 are rightly no longer allowed to play with licensed operators. But even before the ban, almost half were already in the illegal circuit. This proves that illegal websites are a major social problem. Because licensed providers have strict age checks and are strongly committed to player protection, young people seek refuge on illegal sites. It is of great importance that the approach to illegal gambling websites is tightened to stop this development," says Tom De Clercq, chairman of BAGO. Read more about the dangers of illegal gambling sites for young players and our recommendations for a safe online gambling market in our press release in Dutch (https://lnkd.in/em66Z_y9) and French (https://lnkd.in/e9u2cuVS) Find out more numbers at our conference this afternoon 'Stay Sharp, Play Safe: Protecing Players in the Digital Era' where the researchers will present their study! https://lnkd.in/e_EeYT3r #illegalgambling #gambling #youth #BAGO #ESGW24

📢 Kicking off European Safer Gambling Week! 🌍 This important initiative, hosted by European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), is driving awareness and coordinating activities across Europe to promote responsible gambling.    👉 Explore their impactful work on the official landing page: https://lnkd.in/ehFMzBEi   At BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators, we're proud to be part of this week. Mark your calendars for November 20th —we’re organizing a thought-provoking conference in Brussels on player’s protection:    🗓️ Stay Sharp, Play Safe: Player Protection in the Digital Era 📍 Rue Ravenstein 60, Brussels  ⏰ From 15:30 onwards    Join us as we dive into:  - Innovations in technology to strengthen player protection - Protecting youth from gambling risks    - Addressing the negative impact of the illegal market on player’s protection and youth   🎟️ Register now and be part of the conversation: https://lnkd.in/exv_Nscy   Together, let’s ensure a safe and sustainable gambling environment.    #SaferGamblingWeek #PlayerProtection #BAGOConference #ESGW24

It's almost time for our conference "Stay Sharp, Play Safe: Protecting Players in the Digital Era" On November 20, 2024, we invite all relevant stakeholders to join us for an engaging discussion on player protection and how technology can support these efforts. Join us for a diverse lineup of speakers will provide valuable insights on: - New data and academic findings - Policy options and protection measures for young players - Investments made by licensed operators to safeguard their players Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and make valuable connections! 📅 Register:  https://lnkd.in/exv_Nscy 📄 For more information, feel free to visit our website (https://lnkd.in/ewtA_8Mw) or LinkedIN-event (https://lnkd.in/e37h9xf2)

BAGO’s response to the KSC report 'Summer of sports 2024 in figures' On October 28, the Gaming Commission - Kansspelcommissie - Commission des jeux de hasard published its report, ‘Summer of Sports 2024 in Figures.’ This report highlights notable trends in gambling behaviour during this year’s sport summer, including the European Championship and the Olympic Games. BAGO, the federation of licensed Belgian gambling operators, highlights key insights. 🔻 Decline in active players and bets placed - Despite a busy sports season, the report shows a significant drop in new players, daily active players, and total bets compared to the 2022 World Cup. This reflects our commitment to responsible gambling. "The decline reflects our commitment to responsibility. Our data show that most players engaged in recreational, responsible betting, with a clear drop-off in activity after the summer," says Tom De Clercq, President of BAGO. 🚨 Illegal operators: a growing threat - Recent data shows that illegal operators account for up to 60% of the Belgian gambling market, with an alarming focus on attracting young people, unrestricted by advertising controls. According to the KSC, unlicensed operators pose a serious threat to players.   👉 BAGO calls for stricter measures and enhanced support for the Belgian Gambling Commission to combat illegal gambling sites. Together, we continue to work toward a safe and responsible gambling environment in Belgium. Find our full press reaction to this report on our website: in Dutch (https://lnkd.in/e2VBwCFM) and in French (https://lnkd.in/eGnZeTVf). #PlaySafe #AlwaysPlayLegally #GamblingPolicy

— Registration BAGO Conference — 🗓️ 'Stay Sharp, Play Safe: Protecting Players in the Digital Era'   📅 November 20, 2024 📍 Sparks, Rue Ravenstein 60, Brussels 🔗 Register here: https://shorturl.at/aLO5q BAGO is excited to announce its annual conference on responsible gaming and player safety! This year’s theme will highlight the critical role of technology in fostering safer gambling practices. As part of Safer Gambling Week (November 18-24, 2024), which promotes responsible gaming across Europe, our conference will spotlight how we can better protect players in the digital age. Who will speak on players protection, innovation and technology? Find our here: Introduction and One Year BAGO's Duty of Care Covenant - Tom De Clercq (BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators - President) Channelisation in Belgium: Assessing the Risk of the Black Market - Sam Richardson (Nepa) Players Protection: Defining the Role of the Operators - Prof. Xavier Noël (ULB) Enhancing Player Protection: Innovative Monitoring Solutions for Safe Gambling in Belgium and Beyond - Paula Murphy (Mindway AI) Together and Everywhere, Working for Better Protection - Magali Clavie (Gaming Commission - Kansspelcommissie - Commission des jeux de hasard - President) Panel conversation on players protection and gambling among youth (more panelist to be confirmed soon) with among others Ward D'Hulst (Editor-in-chief Productiehuis PIT - makers of the documentary 'Ze zeggen dat' aired on VTM) and Vasiliki Panousi (Manager of EU Affairs European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) - experience on gambling and youth) How Private Operators Are Protecting Players and Upholding Their Duty of Care - Jean-Christophe Choffray (GAMING1 - Deputy CEO) Closing Remarks - Emmanuel Mewissen (BAGO - Belgian Association of Gaming Operators - Vice-President) This event will be in French, Dutch and English. For more information please visit our website: www.bago.be. We are excited to welcome you to our upcoming conference! #ESGW24 #EuropeanSaferGamblingWeek

Combating the illegal gambling sector Yesterday, news outlet Knack published the article ‘Children of five recognise gambling logos’. As the professional association of Belgian private gambling operators, BAGO is disappointed that the article does not clearly distinguish between the legal and illegal gambling sectors when it comes to the use of gambling advertising during different sporting events over the summer. Concretely, BAGO wants to clarify some statements made in the article by highlighting the following: 🔒 Compliance is crucial for private licensed gaming operators. The legal operators strictly adhere to current legislation, ensuring that all their activities fully comply with the law. 💻 The presence of online advertising is therefore to be attributed to unlicensed illegal operators active in Belgium. 👮♂️ BAGO calls in consequence for reinforced control of the violation of the advertising ban by illegal operators without authorisation in Belgium by among others strengthening the Belgian Gaming Commission. The Belgian gambling market is however increasingly flooded by illegal unlicensed providers. Recent figures, published in L'Echo, show that as much as 60% of the Belgian gaming market consists of unlicensed providers. These parties advertise on social media without restrictions, attracting increasing numbers of players, especially young people. Legal gaming operators recognise their social responsibility and are therefore always in line with the current legislation in force. BAGO members are committed to a duty of care, proactively monitoring for problematic gaming behaviors and intervening promptly using cutting-edge technology #ResponsibleGaming #DutyOfCare #StopIllegalGambling

Putting mental health first   As the 10 Days of Mental Health campaign comes to a close, we at BAGO want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of mental well-being across the gambling sector. Responsible gambling is not just about making promises; it’s about creating an environment where players feel supported, informed, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. While these ten days have spotlighted the significance of mental well-being, our commitment to fostering a healthy, balanced environment for both our players and employees remains a year-round priority. BAGO’s dedication to mental health is reflected in several ongoing initiatives: 📝 Last year, we signed the duty-of-care covenant, which provides a clear framework for all BAGO operators to develop a prevention policy. This includes detection systems for potentially problematic behavior, specific actions and tools for players, staff training and education, and communication with the Gaming Commission. 🎙️ We will participate in the European Safer Gambling Week, taking place from 18 to 24 November. On the 20th of November (starting at 15:30) in Brussels, BAGO will host its own Safer Gambling event. This year, we will focus on the potential of technology and innovation. Follow us for updates on this event, which will bring together gambling operators, regulators, care organizations, and experts to raise awareness about mental health, prevent addiction, and enhance player protection. BAGO is committed to preventing potentially harmful behavior and strengthening player protection. Let’s continue working together to build a stronger, more responsible gambling sector where mental health is always a priority. For more information on our organization and work, visit our website: www.bago.be. #MentalHealth #ResponsibleGaming #SupportingPlayers #DutyOfCare #10DaysofMentalHealth

BAGO welcomes positive developments in youth gambling behavior but calls for stricter control! BAGO, the Belgian Federation of Private Gambling Operators, is pleased with the latest figures from the Flemish Expertise Center for Alcohol and Other Drugs on youth gambling behavior. The figures show a clear stabilization and, for some games, even a decrease in the number of young people under 18 participating in gambling, despite the survey being conducted before the introduction of stricter advertising rules and the increase in the minimum age. BAGO has consistently advocated for raising the minimum age to 21 and is a strong supporter of measures to better protect young people. Highlighted figures from the VAD study: ⚽ In 2023, 12.4% of young people reported having ever bet on sports, a slight decrease compared to the previous year, when it was 12.5%. 📱 Of the young people who have ever participated in sports betting, only 5.8% did so in the past year, and only 1% did so regularly. ❗ Although the number of young people has decreased, nearly 1 in 3 young people have bought a scratch card from the National Lottery at some point, and almost 16% of young people participate in the lottery. Despite the long-standing ban on gambling for minors under 18 years of age — which has been extended to 21 years since September 1 — youth participation in certain forms of gambling remains too high. Since licensed operators enforce strict age controls and have invested heavily in player protection in recent years, minors mostly gamble on illegal websites or through physical products of the National Lottery. Recent figures published in L’Echo show that 60% of the Belgian gambling market consists of unlicensed operators. BAGO therefore calls for stricter controls to ensure that young people below the legal minimum age do not gain access to gambling. BAGO emphasizes that the Gaming Commission must be sufficiently empowered to effectively combat the illegal gambling circuit, where minors can still gamble without any form of protection and no age limit is enforced. Additionally, BAGO finds it illogical that the increase in the minimum age to 21 does not apply to all National Lottery products and therefore calls for equal protection for young people. Besides control and equal treatment, prevention is an essential part of keeping young people away from gambling.